A Reykjavik helicopter tour takes you from the city’s rooftops to a mountain summit, steaming geothermal ground or fresh black lava in well under an hour. You don’t need a long drive or a full-day excursion for this Iceland helicopter tour: every flight leaves from Reykjavik Domestic Airport, a short taxi ride from the centre, and most include time standing on the landscape you came to see.
That is what makes flying from Reykjavik different. You aren’t just looking down at Iceland — on most of these flights you land in it.
Three landscapes close to the city
Reykjavik and a summit landing on Esja
The shortest flight starts with the city itself: Harpa, Perlan and Hallgrímskirkja from the air. Then the helicopter heads for Mount Esja or another nearby summit, and you step out on top for about 15 minutes. The pilot chooses the landing spot based on the weather that day. You get a mountain-top view without the hike, and the city you just flew over is laid out below you.
Hengill: hot springs and boiling mud
East of the city lies geothermal country. You fly over Hellisheiði and see Nesjavallavirkjun and Hellisheiðarvirkjun from the air, with Bláfjöll and Kristnitökuhraun on the same run and Seltún lava as a view from above. Then you land in the Hengill geothermal area — remote ground with no boardwalk, just hot springs and boiling mud around you. On the way home, the flight takes a scenic pass over Reykjavik.
Reykjanes: new lava and craters
South-west, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you fly over the Sundhnúkur eruption site near Grindavík and the new lava fields and craters left by the 2021–2024 eruptions. From the air you can follow where the lava ran across the landscape. Be clear on one thing: the eruption is not currently active, so flowing lava is not part of the promise. A landing is included when restrictions allow.
Which Iceland helicopter tour to pick
Fly Over The World’s Reykjavik hub lists three shared flights with Norðurflug, all from the east hangar at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. Here is how they compare:
- Reykjavik Mountain Summit Landing Helicopter Tour — from USD 315. About 15–20 minutes in the air plus about 15 minutes on a summit, 30–45 minutes all in. Small group; one passenger can book. Reykjavik landmarks from the air, then a landing on Mount Esja or another nearby peak. Pick it if you have limited time, want the city and a mountain top, or are flying on your own.
- Reykjavik Geothermal Landscapes Helicopter Tour — from USD 500. About 25–35 minutes in the air and about 15 minutes on the ground, 50–60 minutes all in. Minimum two passengers. Hellisheiði, Nesjavallavirkjun and Hellisheiðarvirkjun from the air, a landing at Hengill among hot springs and boiling mud, then a pass over Reykjavik. Pick it if you want to stand in Iceland’s geothermal country, not just look at it.
- Reykjavik Reykjanes Peninsula Helicopter Tour — from USD 525. About 35–45 minutes, small group of six or fewer; one passenger can book. The Sundhnúkur eruption site near Grindavík and the new lava and craters from 2021–2024, with a landing depending on weather, wind, air traffic and volcanic gas. Pick it if you want to see the lava and craters from the recent eruptions.
Put simply: choose the summit landing for a short, easy flight with a big view; Hengill for the fullest hour and the most time among the geothermal features; and Reykjanes for fresh lava. None of these flights overlaps much with the others, so if you have the time, two of them make a good pair.
Tips for flying in Iceland
Weather in Iceland can cancel a slot at short notice, and shared seats sell, so book ahead and leave a day or two of slack in your plans if you can. Wear sturdy shoes: the summit and Hengill landings are on real mountain and geothermal ground, with no paths laid out for you. Dress for wind when you step out, even on a bright day.
Before you go
- Where: Norðurflug, Reykjavik Domestic Airport (BIRK), east side — Building 313 / Hangar 1, Nauthólsvegur 58d, behind Icelandair Hotel Natura, between Isavia and Eagle Air. Not the west side where Air Iceland is. GPS may want Building 313, Hangar 1 or Nauthólsvegur.
- Getting there: about five minutes by taxi from the centre. Free parking. Hotel pickup is not included.
- Reconfirm: call Norðurflug on +354-562-2500 at least one day before. The office is open 9am–5pm Icelandic time, daily, with complimentary coffee, tea and water.
- Children: infants sit on an adult’s lap, and children fly with an adult. There is no published minimum age.
- Weights: seats are set for weight and balance. Passengers over 120 kg / 265 lbs must buy an extra half seat, payable to the operator on the day. Give accurate dressed weights when you book.
- Cancellation: currently free up to 24 hours before departure. No-shows and changes inside 24 hours are charged in full. If weather cancels the flight, you are offered another time or a refund as shown when you book.
Wondering which flight fits your days in Reykjavik, or whether the Reykjanes landing is likely? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you decide.